Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro, nōna te ngahere; ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga, nōna te ao.
(The forest belongs to the bird who feasts on the miro berry; the world belongs to the bird who feasts on education.)
DairyNZ is inviting applications for its Māori Internship programme, offering rangatahi Māori the chance to gain paid, hands-on experience and explore meaningful careers in New Zealand's dairy sector.
Now in its sixth year, the programme supports aspiring researchers, scientists, rural professionals and future agricultural leaders through summer internships that combine practical experience with mentoring, professional development and networking opportunities.
DairyNZ Pou Ārahi (Head of Māori Engagement & Partnerships) Julian Reti Kaukau says the programme is designed to help rangatahi discover multiple career pathways available within the primary and dairy sectors.
"Our interns work alongside DairyNZ experts and industry partners, gaining valuable experience while building connections that can support their future careers," he says.
A highlight of the programme is an annual wānanga, delivered in partnership with the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, where tauira connect with local kaitiaki and learn about iwi-led approaches to environmental stewardship.
Eleven rangatahi Māori have been mentored under the Māori Internship programme.
Amber Murfitt (Ngāi Tahu), who participated in the 2025-26 summer programme, says one of the standout experiences was attending two noho marae at Maungatautari, where she saw first-hand how mātauranga Māori and Western science can complement each other.
"I was able to learn about different areas of the sector and connect with people who share similar interests," she says.
Amber's internship involved working alongside scientists, Māori advisors and environmental specialists, helping monitor catchment health through water quality testing and biodiversity surveys.
"I've gained practical skills through fieldwork, including eDNA sampling and species monitoring, while learning how science and environmental management contribute to sustainable farming," she says.
Julian says the programme reflects DairyNZ's commitment to supporting more Māori into dairy careers while recognising the unique perspectives and values they bring.
"We want to see more rangatahi Māori choosing careers in dairy. Their knowledge, skills and values will help shape the future of the sector and the opportunities ahead."
Julian says the wider primary sector is increasingly recognising and celebrating mātauranga Māori through initiatives such as the Ahuwhenua Trophy, which reflects the growing recognition or the role that mātauranga Māori plays in the future success and sustainability of New Zealand agriculture.
"Our internship programme is an extension of this recognition and commitment,” he says.
"Our goal is to help rangatahi discover where they can make a difference and support the next generation of Māori leaders in dairy."
Applications are now open. More information is available on the DairyNZ website or by contacting DairyNZ Kaiakiaki – Māori Development Advisor Pounamu Anaru pounamu.anaru@dairynz.co.nz
Media contact
Jacob Quinn
Corporate Communications and Media Manager
p: 027 716 4197
e: jacob.quinn@dairynz.co.nz
